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Fitoterapia 2025 June
Berberis aristata DC. (Indian barberry): Current insight into botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects, pharmacokinetics, safety of use and modern therapeutic applications

Abstract
Berberis aristata DC. (Indian barberry) is a member of the Berberidaceae family native to the Indian Peninsula. It is a shrub with yellow flowers and spherical/ovoid, red or purple berries. Indian barberry-derived substances are utilized in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems in the Middle East to treat diseases such as liver and pancreatic disorders, skin infections, diabetes or conjunctival inflammation. Nowadays, B. aristata is recognized as a valuable plant that promotes proper glucose metabolism, normalizes the lipid profile, and restores normal liver function. This review article summarizes botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic aspects, safety of use, position in contemporary medicine, and modern therapeutic applications for B. aristata. Studies have shown that isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly berberine, are the primary phytochemicals in the plant. Numerous in vitro and in vivo animal model investigations confirmed the pleiotropic action of Indian barberry substances, including antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Moreover, clinical trials revealed that the combined preparations of B. aristata root extract normalize the lipid profile and decrease the blood glucose level. Thus, the potential of Indian barberry-derived substances to manage i.a. metabolic diseases is suggested. Nevertheless, due to some gaps in the knowledge, further studies are required, mainly clinical trials involving mono-preparations and extended pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies. Furthermore, determining the entire phytochemical profile of various B. aristata-derived substances is a critical goal. The present review might support the development of the research strategy and, in a further perspective, lead to a broaden medical application of Indian barberry.

DHARA ID: D064211 Pubmed ID: 40239774


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